Everybody has a story to tell. Sara Palczewski wants to tell those stories - in compelling, compassionate and personal ways.

But Palczewski's own story may be just as engaging.

"I think what makes me good at what I do is that I'm hardworking. I don't ever stop working," said Palczewski. "It's making sure I'm well-versed in everything. I'll always do what people need me to do and everything I'm asked to do. I've gotten to a position where I feel comfortable being a storyteller. The best part of my career is the human and personal side of it. It's fun to get to know people and connect with all these athletes."

A 2014 graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School (LCHS), Palczewski is a sports reporter, sports multimedia journalist, sports anchor and New Orleans Saints insider for Nexstar Media Group's WVLA and WGMB television stations in Baton Rouge, La. Palczewski's main duties revolve around covering the Saints year-round, but she also covers LSU Division I collegiate sports through feature stories, interviews and highlight production.

"I try to keep things conversational," said Palczewski, 29. "I try to keep it even-keeled for everyone. I'm always trying to be a better storyteller. I try to have fun on camera. You just talk about what you know. You're confident in what you know because you've done all your prep work."

Relatable, vulnerable and confident, Palczewski projects a certain presence on camera. It's a combination of talent and hard work, but when the camera lights come on, so does Palczewski.

"I think everybody has an 'on' switch," said Palczewski. "But for the most part, what you see on camera is the way I am at home. For the most part, what you see is what you get. You want to make sure everybody knows your personality and who you are."

During a seven-year media career launched through a journalism degree from Auburn University, Palczewski has already covered two NFL championship games, an NCAA Division I men's basketball Final Four and a Houston Astros baseball opening day. During that time, Palczewski has discovered a great many things, not the least of which is what she's learned about herself.

"It takes a lot of work," said Palczewski. "It's just a matter of being more comfortable and confident in yourself. I look at myself a year ago, and I'm completely different, just because of the time. It's fun to watch the evolution of your on-air career."

"I've been fortunate to have a lot of great mentors," Palczewski continued. "I've learned to never give up on yourself. I've evolved into a much better storyteller than I ever thought I could have. You never know where things are going to take you. If I would've given up on things, I don't think I'd be where I am today."

Through familial relationships, Palczewski has been around sports all of her life. At LCHS, she was an accomplished basketball and soccer player before three concussions in two and a half years derailed her playing days at the age of 16.

"My years at Lancaster Catholic were probably one of the most difficult times in my life because I had to give up my sports playing career," said Palczewski. "It was difficult, but I think it helped mold me into the person I am today. It aided in my work ethic. It was a huge life-changing event, but having a support system helped me through it."

"Regardless, I think this was the path I was taking," continued Palczewski. "It might have accelerated the process. I'm not sure if I would've played sports in college. But ever since I was in middle school, I knew I wanted to be in sports journalism."